Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-12-2020-R�R�EN HILLS Approved: October 26, 2020 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2020 7:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Grant declared October 12, 2020 to be a non -holiday in the City of Arden Hills. Note: On March 20`h, the Mayor signed a determination allowing Councilmembers to participate in City Council meetings via telephone pursuant to State Statute 13D.021 Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Dave McClung and Steve Scott Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Dave Perrault; Public Works Director/City Engineer Todd Blomstrom; Finance Director Gayle Bauman; Community Development Manager/City Planner Mike Mrosla; and City Clerk Julie Hanson; via telephone City Attorney Joel Jamnik PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL None. 3. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — OCTOBER 12, 2020 2 4. STAFF COMMENTS A. COVID-19 Update City Administrator Perrault provided the Council with an update on how the City was responding to COVID-19. He encouraged residents to visit the City's website for the most current and up to date information regarding COVID-19. He reported the Minnesota Department of Health and CDC also had websites with current guidelines and recommendations. He explained the City of Arden Hills remains in a peacetime state of emergency and City Hall will remain closed until further notice. He indicated City staff remains operational and can be reached via phone or email. He discussed the small business emergency assistance grant program the Council had approved, noting this program was funded through CARES Act dollars and an update would be provided later in the agenda. B. Transportation Update Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom provided the Council with an update on the I- 35W MNPASS project. He explained the contractor was paving lanes from County Road C to County Road E2 at this time. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom stated Ramsey County was amending their transportation plan to shift the Lexington Avenue Improvement Project from 2021 to 2022. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom explained staff will be sending mail notices to property owners within the Hazelnut neighborhood as a second round of public engagement. He reported this engagement would consist of a recorded presentation covering topics and issues that would typically be reviewed at a public open house meeting. Residents were encouraged to contact City staff with any comments or questions they may have. Councilmember Holden questioned if the City would be completing Snelling Avenue south of the Linde's triangle in 2022. She asked if this would be a problem given the fact the County had shifted their Lexington Avenue project to 2022. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom stated that Snelling Avenue improvements south of County Road E are still planned form 2022. He reported that the County does not object to the City completing road improvements along Snelling Avenue in 2022 and separating the proposed intersection improvements into a future project. He indicated the County is willing to conduct additional traffic study of the intersection beginning next year. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. September 14, 2020, Regular City Council B. September 21, 2020, City Council Work Session Councilmember Scott reported he submitted minor corrections for both sets of minutes to staff. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — OCTOBER 12, 2020 3 MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the September 14 2020 Re lar City Council meeting minutes,• and September 21 2020 CitV Council Work Session meeting minutes as amended. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimous 5-0. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve Resolution 2020-048 Awarding HVAC Project to Air Express C. Motion to Authorize Approval of 2021-2026 Elections Administration Contract with the Ramsey County Elections D. Motion to Award Contract for Professional Services for Pavement Conditions Data Collection E. Motion to Approve Resolution 2020-047 Metropolitan Livable Communities Act Participation MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimous) 5-0 . 7. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. S. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 9. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 2020-049 to Extend the Application Submittal Period for Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated at its September 28 meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution 2020-046 removing the minimum employment criteria and reopening the application window for the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program starting Tuesday, September 29 through Tuesday, October 6, 2020. Staff received four (4) new applications during the recent application period. During the duration of the program staff has received 22 applications. Staff has also been contacted by two (2) business that would like to apply following the closing of the recent application period. Should Council want to extend the application window till Friday, October 23, 2020 to allow for additional time for businesses to apply for the grant a resolution has been provided for consideration. If approved, staff will promote the extension through emails, the website, social media and site visits. Social distancing and face coverings are worn during site visits. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — OCTOBER 12, 2020 4 Councilmember Holden asked if the final deadline would be October 23. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported this was the case. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 92020-049 — Extending the A a alication Window for the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program. Councilmember Holmes encouraged staff to open the program up to businesses who have already applied, if eligible, in order to offer all of the available funds. City Administrator Perrault commented the plan was to bring forward a Resolution on October 26 that would spread the remaining Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant funds out to the businesses that were already awarded grants. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 5-0 . 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Resolution 2020-045 — Planning Case 20-010 — Master Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan and Preliminary/Final Plat — Scannell Properties — 4200 Round Lake Road Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the City Council previously discussed Planning Case 20-010 at their meeting on September 28, 2020. This application was tabled to allow Council to visit sites where the proposed metal material is used and to allow staff time to work with the Applicant on a landscaping plan and minimum caliper inches. Staff has worked with the Applicant on these items and is bringing this planning case back for further review by the City Council. Scannell Properties ("Applicant") is proposing to construct a 250,000 square foot office and warehouse facility on the existing vacant land located at 4200 Road Lake Road ("Subject Property"). The Applicant is also requesting to subdivide the subject parcel into two (2) lots of record. The Subject Property is zoned GB, Gateway Business District and is guided as Light Industrial & Office on the Land Use Plan. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented on the discussion held at the previous meeting and explained the applicant supported an 80/20 split for the warehouse/ office space. He reported the site plan has been revised by the applicant to include more trees (410 caliper inches or 210 trees) in addition to donating $10,000 to the City in lieu of trees. Further discussion ensued regarding the proposed building materials and staff reported the applicant had revised the exterior building plans to add more windows. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the Planning Commission reviewed this matter at their October 7 meeting and recommended approval of Planning Case 20- 010 for a Planned Unit Development, Site Plan Review, Preliminary and Final Plat at 4200 Round Lake Road, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, subject to the following conditions: ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — OCTOBER 12, 2020 5 1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted and as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to the plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the City Council. 2. The Preliminary Plat approval shall expire six months from the date of the City Council approval unless the Final Plat has recorded with Ramsey County or a time extension granted by the City Council. 3. The Applicant shall record the Final Plat with Ramsey County and a copy shall be provided to the City within sixty (90) days of the City's approval. 4. The Applicant shall be financially responsible for all applicable water and sanitary charges. Rates applied shall be those in effect at the time of Final Plat approval and shall be memorialized in the Development Agreement. 5. A Development Agreement shall be prepared by the City Attorney and subject to City Council approval. The Development Agreement shall be fully executed prior to release of a building permit. 6. The Applicant shall submit a park dedication fee that shall be seven and a half (7.5) percent of the fair market value of the unimproved land and subject to the approval of the City Council. The park dedication fee shall be submitted prior to the release of the Final Plat. 7. Survey monuments shall be placed and installed at all block corners, angle points, points of curves in streets, and at intermediate points as shown on the Final Plat. Pipes or steel rods shall be placed at the corners of each lot. 8. The final plat shall provide dedication of a 60-ft wide right of way for Gateway Boulevard on Lot 2, Block 1 overlying the area currently encumbered by existing drainage and utility easement. 9. Prior to the issuance of a grading and erosion permit, planning staff shall approve in writing the final landscaping plan. 10. Prior to the issuance of a grading and erosion permit, engineering staff shall approve in writing the final location of the loading driveway access to align with adjacent commercial driveway or provide adequate offset distance. 11. A cross easement access and maintenance agreement for the proposed share access on Lot 2 shall be submitted and memorialized in the Development Agreement. 12. Site Plan approval shall be required for the construction of the proof of parking area. 13. All light poles, including base, shall be a maximum of 25 feet in height and shall be shoebox style, downward directed, with high-pressure sodium lamps or LED and flush lenses. Other than wash or architectural lighting, attached security lighting shall be shoebox style, downward directed with flush lenses. If complaints are received the lighting adjacent to residential uses shall utilize house shields as directed by the City. In addition, any lighting under canopies (building entries) shall be recessed and use a flush lens. 14. A right of way permit shall be required for work performed within the City right of way. 15. A grading as -built and utility as -built plan shall be provided to the City upon completion of grading and utility work. 16. No exterior storage shall be permitted. 17. This approval does not include signs. A separate sign permit is required for all proposed signage. All signage shall meet the requirements of Sign District 6. 18. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, a landscape financial security of $50,000.00 dollars shall be submitted. Landscape financial security is held for two full growing seasons. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — OCTOBER 12, 2020 6 19. All rooftop or ground mounted mechanical equipment shall be hidden from view with the same materials used on the building in accordance with City Code requirements. 20. All fencing and retaining wall materials shall be complementary to the building materials and shall be approved in writing by the Planning Division prior to issuance of a building permit. Retaining walls greater than four (4) feet in height shall be engineered and detailed calculations shall be submitted to the City. 21. Prior to City Council consideration, the Applicant shall submit a materials board to be approved in writing by staff. 22. A Grading and Erosion permit shall be obtained from the City's Engineering Department prior to commencing any grading, land disturbance or utility activities. The Developer shall be responsible for obtaining any permits necessary from other agencies, including but not limited to, MPCA, Rice Creek Watershed District, and Ramsey County, MNDOT prior to the start of any site activities. 23. The Applicant shall be responsible for protecting the proposed on -site storm sewer infrastructure and components and any existing storm sewer from exposure to any and all stormwater runoff, sediments and debris during all construction activities. Temporary stormwater facilities shall be installed to protect the quality aspect of the proposed and existing stormwater facilities prior to and during construction activities. Maintenance of any and all temporary stormwater facilities shall be the responsibility of the Applicant. 24. Prior to the issuance of the Grading and Erosion permit, the Engineering Department shall review and approve final grading and utility plans in writing. Plans shall be amended to include detail drawings for connection to the sanitary sewer system in Gateway Boulevard, restoration of utility cuts within public streets, and inclusion of City details 3401, 3402, 3408, and 4000. 25. Any future trash enclosures shall utilize wooden gates and be constructed on three sides using the same materials and patterns used on the building. Locations shall be approved by the Planning Department. 26. The Applicant shall provide an executed copy of the City's standard stormwater maintenance and easement agreement prior to approval of the Development Agreement. 27. All disturbed boulevards shall be restored with sod. 28. All areas of the site, where practical, shall be sodded or seeded and maintained. The property owner shall mow and maintain all site boulevards to the curb line of the public streets. 29. Overnight trailer parking is prohibited onsite other than along the dock wall within the concrete dock apron. 30. The Applicant shall work with Ramsey County to add five (5) seconds to the signal timing for Round Lake Road and Hwy 96 to allow for more northbound left turns during the PM peak hour prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. 31. Warehousing and wholesaling shall not exceed 85percent of the floor area tenant. The remaining 15 percent of floor area shall be non -warehouse uses such as a combination of uses including -but -not -limited -to office, manufacturing, production, research and development, lab and/or showroom per tenant. Mayor Grant requested staff review the before and after plans for the building exterior. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — OCTOBER 12, 2020 7 Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reviewed the exterior site plans and pointed out the windows that had been added to the building. He explained the intent was to create a more office -like appearance from the interstate. Mayor Grant asked that staff put on the screen the picture he sent to staff of another Scannell Property. He called to the Council's attention that their other property was brick, not brick veneer. He explained the windows were slightly tinted and there were very few metal panels on the building. It was noted this property was located on Winnetka in Brooklyn Park. He indicated there was a lot more traffic along 694 than Winnetka. He stated he would like to see the proposed building exterior improved given the high level of visibility. Councilmember Holmes reported she was having difficulty logging into the meeting via Zoom. She explained she was not able to see any of the pictures staff was reviewing with the Council. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla indicated he sent the pictures from the Mayor to each City Councilmember. Councilmember McClung stated he had visited each of the Scannell buildings. Councilmember Scott explained he was able to see the pictures and noted he also visited similar properties. Councilmember McClung supported the Mayor's comment regarding the brick. He stated he would like to see real brick used on the proposed building. Councilmember Holmes commented she received the photos from staff. Further discussion ensued regarding the building facade. Councilmember Holden asked if Lot 2 would be able to support a trail around Long Lake. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the intent of the easements would be to allow for a trail in the future. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the concern was that the proposed brick was veneer versus real brick. Mayor Grant commented this was his concern. He noted the veneer was a less expensive option. He explained his concern was that real brick was used by the developer on a less visible property and thought perhaps this building should also have brick. Councilmember Holden inquired if the Mayor wanted to see the percentage of brick/brick veneer expanded. Mayor Grant reported he was not looking for the area to expand but was wondering if the City should require the developer to use real brick versus brick veneer. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — OCTOBER 12, 2020 8 Councilmember Holmes requested the architect speak to the differences between brick and brick veneer. She wanted to understand if traffic along 694 would be able to tell the difference between these two products. Councilmember Scott indicated he has been to the McDonald's in Arden Hills numerous times and he was not hung up on real brick versus brick veneer. Brock Martinson, architect for Scannell Properties, explained the proposed building material was real brick, but the face has been cut off. He noted the product that would be used was called thin brick that was cast into a panel. Councilmember Holden questioned if there would be mortar between the bricks. Mr. Martinson reported the material between the brick (mortar) would be colored concrete from the precast panel. Dan Salzar, Scannell Properties, stated the thin brick was put into the precast panels before they were poured. He explained the building on Winnetka has brick panels because there was a very small quantity. He discussed how the proposed building in Arden Hills would have metal, brick and glass along the building's fagade. He reported thin brick would appear like real brick to passersby. Councilmember Holden requested further information regarding the quality of the metal panels that were proposed for the building. Mr. Martinson explained the metal panels were a high -end building material. He reported the factory applied finish would last 10 to 15 years and the panels themselves were warrantied for 20 to 30 years. It was noted if the panels were to fade, they could be repainted after 15 years. Mayor Grant asked if the City could incorporate language into the development agreement that the developer will maintain the finish on the metal panels. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported this language could be included in the development agreement. Councilmember Holden requested further information regarding the trees. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla indicated the applicant would be adding more trees to the site as well as dedicating $10,000 to the City to plant trees elsewhere. He recommended this be made a condition for approval. He stated Condition 32 could read: The applicant shall pay the City with $10,000 prior to the issuance of a building permit for tree dedication. Mayor Grant reported Highway 96 was a roadway that could use trees. He questioned how many trees could be purchased with $10,000, ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — OCTOBER 12, 2020 9 Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla estimated 30 trees could be purchased with the dedication money noting trees cost roughly $300 to $400 per tree. Councilmember Holden stated considering the conflicting ordinance issue, the $10,000 tree dedication was a nice way to address the issue. Mayor Grant recommended the additional trees be planted along Highway 96. Councilmember Scott discussed how the additional trees on the site plan would assist with softening the building. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reviewed the location of the additional 31 trees on the site plan. Councilmember Holden asked if Condition 8 addressed the trail right of way. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported this was the case. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to move for approval of the planning case but would like to also make a motion to add some additional conditions. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mavor Grant seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 20-010 for the property at 4200 Round Lake Road, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, and the thirty-one (31) proposed conditions in the October 12, 2020, Report to the Citv Council. Councilmember Holden recommended Condition 32 be added for approval as recommended by staff. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to add Condition 32 as follows: Prior to the issuance of a buildingf permit, the developer shall dedicate S10 000 in lieu of meeting minimum call er inches re uirements. Councilmember Scott asked if the Council would limit the vote to strictly this amendment. Mayor Grant reported this was the case. A roll call vote was taken. The amendment carried 5-0 . AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Scott seconded a motion to add Condition 33 as follows: The property owner shall keel) and maintain all exterior building materials in -ood condition. A roll call vote was taken. The amendment carried 5-0 . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — OCTOBER 12, 2020 10 AMENDMENT: Councilmember Scott moved and Mavor Grant seconded a motion to amend Condition 31 to read as follows: Warehousing and wholesaling shall not exceed 80 percent of the total floor area. The remaining 20 percent of the total floor area shall be non -warehouse uses such as a combination of uses including -but -not -limited -to office, manufacturing, production, research and development, lab and/or showroom. Mayor Grant questioned how the square footage of the building space would be calculated if a second level mezzanine was constructed within this building. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated this would depend on how the mezzanine level was used. He reported if the space was finished office space, it would count towards the 20% calculation. Councilmember Holden asked if this would increase the floor area ratio. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla indicated this was the case and noted the site could support additional parking. He noted he spoke to the applicant regarding second floor mezzanines and understood these were quite rare. A roll call vote was taken. The amendment carried 3-2 Councilmember Holden and Councilmember McClun , ov Posed). AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to add Condition 34 as follows: Thej2rovertv owner shall perform annual maintenance on the areas where Mesic Prairie seed mix is utilized. A roll call vote was taken. The amendment carried 5-0 . Councilmember Holden stated the Council did not have a material list or physical material board. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported staff did not receive a detailed materials board from the developer. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the fact the materials could be changed after the Council approved the Planning Case. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the Council could require the applicant to submit a materials board or material mock up prior to receiving a building permit. Mr. Salzar reported he had provided staff with sample materials for the building. He requested the Council not require a building mock up prior to the issuance of a building permit. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — OCTOBER 12, 2020 11 City Attorney Jamnik explained Condition 1 requires the project to be completed in accordance with the plans submitted and as amended by the conditions of approval. He supported the Council adding a condition stating the brick will be integrally cast into the precast panels. AMENDMENT: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to add Condition 35 as follows: The brick shall be inte;;ralh cast into the precast panels as discussed between the Council and the developer. A roll call vote was taken. The amendment carried 5-0 . Mayor Grant asked if the rear of the building/dock doors would allow for driveins. Mr. Salzar reported the building had two drive in doors, one on each end of the building. Councilmember McClung stated he had concerns with this property and noted this building did not meet his vision for this visible property in Arden Hills. Mayor Grant understood there were Councilmembers that have served for quite some time on the City Council. He discussed the history of this parcel and how the plans have changed over time. He noted the proposed use was reasonable and for this reason he would support the request. Councilmember Holden stated she had envisioned this site as a nice office complex, but this has not happened. She discussed how COVID has changed the office market. She noted she would be supporting the proposed development. A roll call vote was taken. The amended motion add Condition 35 as follows: The brick shall be integrally cast into the precast panels as discussed between the Council and the developer carried 4-1 (Councilmember McClung opposed). MOTION: Mavor Grant moved and Councilmember Scott seconded a motion to avprove the Conditional Use Permit, Planned Unit Development, Site Plan and Prelimina /Final Plat for the yropertN at 4200 Round Lake Road, based on the findinils of fact and submitted plans, and the thi -five 35 conditions in the October 12, 2020, Report to the Citv Council. A roll call vote was taken. The amended motion carried 4-1 (Councilmember McClung opposed). 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember McClung commented on the MnDOT Glenhill Road Zoom meeting that was held prior to the City Council meeting. He asked if staff could get an update on what happened at this meeting after the Council had to leave. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported this meeting was recorded so staff could provide the Council with a summary. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — OCTOBER 12, 2020 12 Councilmember McClung requested staff send the Council a link to the recording and a summary of the meeting. Councilmember McClung reminded the public to drive carefully as it was getting darker earlier and there may be walkers and bikers in the street. Councilmember Holmes stated she was not able to view the MnDOT Glenhill meeting. She commented she looked. forward to watching the recording of this meeting. Councilmember Holmes indicated she was getting so confused about the projects planned for Lexington Avenue and Snelling Avenue. She requested the Council discuss the projects for these roadways at a future worksession meeting. Councilmember Holden explained she was on the list for the Glenhill area. She believed the City should demand a meeting with the Commissioner of Transportation in an emergency meeting. She questioned why Arden Hills was being treated differently than other communities. Councilmember Holden stated she has not received a chicken postcard from the City of Arden Hills. City Administrator Perrault reported the chicken postcards were put in the mail today. Councilmember Holden questioned if people were able to answer the survey twice if there was more than one adult living in a home. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated this would be allowed if a home had two adults living at one address. Councilmember Holden commented she would like an update from staff on how the CARES Act funds had been spent. City Administrator Perrault reported the Council would be receiving an update on the CARES Act dollars at the October 26 City Council meeting. He noted he could send an informal update prior to that meeting. Mayor Grant addressed the Glenhill concerns and noted the City's legislators supported the Council. He stated he was interested in listening to the playback of the meeting that was held this evening. He supported the City requesting a meeting with the Commissioner of Transportation. Mayor Grant reported he received a letter regarding Safe Routes to School and this was passed along to staff. He indicated the Council would have to address Safe Routes to School in the coming months. City Administrator Perrault asked if staff should invite the Commissioner of Transportation to a special worksession meeting: ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — OCTOBER 12, 2020 13 Mayor Grant commented this meeting would have to be held downtown and noted he could attend with one other Councilmember. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adiourn. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:08 p.m. Julie Hanson City Clerk it David Grant Mayor